This time, though, it was not just the deadly duo of Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge that struck the killer blows for Brendan ­Rodgers’ high-fliers.

While Premier League ­top-scorer Suarez grabbed a ­treble, taking his tally to 28, his main partner in crime was the unlikely figure of Martin Skrtel.

The defender scored two for the Merseysiders, who twice came from behind before blitzing their way to a sixth-straight win.

And, just in case England man Sturridge was feeling left out, the sensational Suarez put a simple tap-in on a plate for him late on.

Liverpool stay second, four points behind leaders Chelsea with a game in hand, having taken a remarkable 29 points during an 11-game unbeaten sequence since the turn of the year.

Make no mistake – that is the form of champions.

With home dates to come against Jose Mourinho’s men and third-placed Man City, the belief that 24 years without a title could be about to end continues to grow.

Boss Rodgers heaped praise on his side afterwards, while refusing to be drawn on Liverpool’s pursuit of the title.

He said: “I told Martin I fancied him to get on the scoresheet today. Every team needs goals from all over the park and he’s doing that for us this season.

“Martin was exceptional today and so were Luis and Daniel. The two are world-class players who never stop working. They have the hunger and determination.”

And on nailing that elusive title, Rodgers added: “The fans can dream and they have every right to. They’ve been fantastic.

“But I’m focused on the game ahead – Sunderland at home on Wednesday. After three away games I’m just glad to be back at Anfield.”

For Cardiff, though, this was a bitter blow – and one that leaves them in dire straits, stuck in 19th place and probably needing four wins to survive. No chance, you might think. Yet if they perform as they did here, a great escape might well be on.

Boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was upset with the third Liverpool goal but refused to blame the ref.

He said: “It was the vital moment. Goals change games.

“They need to look at that rule because how can you defend a corner kick with nine men?

MUTCH TO SHOUT ABOUT: Jordon Mutch netted twice or Cardiff [GETTY]

“The fans can dream and they have every right to, they’ve been fantastic”

Brendan Rodgers

“They were my two biggest players. I knew they’d score.”

Despite the scoreline, Cardiff gave as good as they got for 50 minutes.

They took a deserved lead inside nine minutes.

Good work from Fraizer Campbell gave Jordon Mutch the chance to stroke home his sixth goal this term.

The lead was short-lived – lasting just six minutes. Jordan Henderson set Glen Johnson free with a superb ball and the full-back crossed for Suarez to sweep home.

Normal order restored. Or so we thought because in the 25th minute the battling Bluebirds were once again in front.